Effectiveness of Text Messaging and Face to Face Training on Improving Knowledge and Quality of Life of Patients undergoing Hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis is lower; to improve their living conditions, patients need further training. This study conducted to compare the effectiveness of two methods of text messaging and face to face education on knowledge and quality of life of patients under hemodialysis. Methods: Undergoing in a clinical trial study, 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Sina-teaching hospital of Tabriz, Iran were selected by convenience sampling and randomly allocated into three groups: two intervention groups: text massaging (P=20), face to face group (n=20) and one control group (n=20). Their knowledge and quality of life were assessed and compared by Chronic Hemodialysis Knowledge Survey (CHeKS) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-short form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13. Results: After intervention, the knowledge of text messaging and face to face groups were significantly more than the control group, but the quality of life scores after intervention had not any significant difference among the three groups. Intra-group comparisons showed that quality of life in face to face group have been significantly increased. Conclusion: Text messaging and face to face teaching were effective on improving knowledge of patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the effectiveness of these methods on quality of life needs further evaluations in different setting for longer times in hemodialysis patients.